Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is found throughout Eurasia, North America, and northern Africa, and has been introduced to parts of South America. The leaves and young stems of this herbaceous plant are fitted with stinging hairs tipped with formic acid and other irritants.
What plant has stingy hairs on their stems that can cause irritation when touch?
Nettles are plants with sharp hairs on their leaves. If you touch them, these hairs inject irritants into the skin, making it itchy, red and swollen.
What plants have stinging hairs or bristles?
- Dendrocnide spp. Dendrocnide excelsa (giant stinging tree) ...
- Girardinia diversifolia (synonym: G. ...
- Laportea canadensis (wood nettle)
- Urera spp.
What is the name of the plant that stings?
| Urtica dioica | Family: Urticaceae | Genus: Urtica | Species: U. dioica | Binomial name |
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How do you identify stinging nettles?
Nettles grow 2 to 5 feet tall and have opposite leaves. The leaves are coarsely toothed, pointed on the ends, and can be several inches long. Smaller, younger leaves are more heart-shaped. True to its name, stinging nettle imparts a painful sting through tiny hairs on the underside of its leaves and on its stems.
What is the meaning of stinging hair?
: a glandular hair whose base secretes a stinging fluid (as in nettles)
Does vinegar help nettle stings?
If you have an itchy bite, dab a drop of vinegar on it. The vinegar can help reduce stinging and burning sensations . It can also act as a natural disinfectant if you’ve been scratching too much. If you need more relief, try soaking a washcloth in cold water and vinegar, and then applying it to the bite.
What is the most toxic plant?
Closely related to poison hemlock (the plant that famously killed Socrates), water hemlock has been deemed “the most violently toxic plant in North America.” A large wildflower in the carrot family, water hemlock resembles Queen Anne’s lace and is sometimes confused with edible parsnips or celery.
What are the top 10 most poisonous plants?
- Nerium Oleander.
- Cicuta or Water Hemlock.
- Abrus Precatorius or Rosary Pea.
- Atropa Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade.
- Castor Oil Plant.
- Taxus Baccata or the English Yew.
- Ageratina Altissima or White Snakeroot.
- Aconitum or Aconite.
What is the antidote for stinging nettle?
Remedies for this sting include a plant that often grows next to it called jewelweed . Applying the crushed stem of this plant to the affected area soothes the irritated skin. Another method for alleviating the pain is to apply a mixture of baking soda and water.
What is the most poisonous flower in the world?
The elegant Nerium oleander , the blossoms of which are crimson, magenta or creamy white, is one of the most toxic plants in the world. Every part of the plant, from its stem to its sap, is incredibly poisonous if ingested. Even inhaling the smoke from a burning oleander is a health threat.
Why is stinging nettle called?
Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm (1). Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact .
What is the specialized structure of stinging nettle?
The stinging trichomes of the leaves and stems have bulbous tips that break off when brushed against, revealing needlelike tubes that pierce the skin. They inject a mix of acetylcholine, formic acid, histamine, and serotonin, causing an itchy, burning rash in humans and other animals that may last up to 12 hours.
What is the difference between dead nettle and stinging nettle?
Deadnettle (Lamium spp) is similar in height and appearance to stinging nettles . ... Deadnettles have smoother leaves and a green stem (white arrow). Stinging nettles leaves (red arrow) have a slightly furry appearance due to the stings.
How do you prepare stinging nettle for eating?
Nettles need to be thoroughly cleaned and de-stung before eating. To do this, the easiest method is blanching them in boiling water and rinsing them afterward, squeezing out the water before sauteeing them or adding them into soups or stews. By blanching the nettles, they get cleaned and broken down in one fell swoop.
What are the side effects of stinging nettle?
Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and hives or rash (mainly from topical use). It is important to be careful when handling the nettle plant because touching it can cause an allergic rash.
